On Monday, August 31, Daljit Dhaliwal becomes the new anchor at Worldfocus, the nightly international newscast produced by WNET.ORG. Martin Savidge will remain on Worldfocus as a special correspondent. Dhaliwal answered a few questions about her new role at Worldfocus and her own background in international news.
How does it feel to be back at public television and in the anchor chair of a national, nightly international news program?
Dhaliwal: It very satisfying to return to the fold of the public television family. Most journalists would relish the idea of working in a news environment where international events are front and center and not an afterthought of news coverage. Public television viewers are a discerning bunch who are hungry for news and context about the rest of the world and it’s a privilege to be a part of a team that does that each weeknight.
Why should international news coverage matter to the American public right now?
Dhaliwal: The global economic crisis, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But specific stories aside, I think it’s important for Americans to be engaged because of America’s global influence and power.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in journalism?
Dhaliwal: I grew up in the UK where public service broadcasting has a strong tradition and so I think being exposed early on to solid news and current affairs programs made me curious about what was happening out there. After university I was lucky enough to be accepted onto a BBC training course that then gave me solid building blocks for my career.
You’ve interviewed dozens of international newsmakers but if could pick a few who would they be?
Dhaliwal: Osama Bin Laden, President Obama, Nelson Mandela, Bono, Vladimir Putin.
Where was the most exciting/interesting location you traveled recently for a story?
Dhaliwal: I was in the Baltics not long ago reporting for Worldfocus and while it’s not a global hotspot area, it was certainly refreshing to bring stories from these places and put them on our newscast. I can’t remember the last time I saw pieces from Estonia and Lithuania on a nightly newscast.
What would you do in life if you were not doing journalism?
Dhaliwal: One of the great thing about journalism is that it allows me to indulge my love of travel when I’m on assignment. So I would certainly travel more.
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Watch a recent Worldfocus report by Daljit Dhaliwal on Estonia’s military after Soviet occupation and its alliance with the U.S. in Afghanistan.
Click here to see more of her reports from the field as a special correspondent for Worldfocus.
This is a very pleasant turn of events. But, what happened to Martin Savidge?
Please advise.
Yes, I was wondering the same thing. Please don’t tell us about the new anchor without letting us know what happened to Martin Savidge. He was great.
Welcome!!!!
I love you shows I always watch them.. Now you are with Worlgfocus and you are the anchor.
As a Korean descent of American, I understand them fully and very well. They desire to fight with Americans and British soldier, side by side.
Its sad to see that Martin Savidge won’t be hosting the program anymore. Its not that I don’t like Daljit Dhaliwal. But Martin had his own special way of delivering the news.
It took me a while but I really got to like Martin Savage’s delivery. I thought he did very well and looked forward to his daily broadcast.
“If it aun’t broke don’t fix it.”
Will she be staying with FOREIGN EXCHANGE and 21st CENTURY?
I really enjoyed Martin Savidge and am sorry about a change.
Welcome Ms.Dhaliwal. But, I will much miss Martin Savidge. He was just TERRIFIC (& looked just like my very first super boy-friend)!You say he will “remain on Worldfocus as a special correspondent.” Please explain what that means? And was this change his choice? I want to make sure he is happy.
Many thanks
Martin Savidge’s reporting and questions were always precise, concise, incisive, relevant, and perceptive. Hopefully, the managment of Worldfocus has planned a special upper level place for him in broadcast journalism.
Why have you replaced Martin Savidge? He was worthy as a journalist
and anchor for this program
Thank goodness you haven’t taken WorldFocus off the air.
I thought Martin got better and better as anchor after a rather lightweight first impression. Please tell us if this has to do with Martin being banned from Great Britain and the circumstances surrounding the ban which I eardh referenced on BBC two weeks ago. Certainly this is international news which you are obliged to cover.
I was a HUGE fan of Martin as well and am dying to know the details surrounding this change. Please keep us all posted.
It is difficult to believe Martin Savidge was removed as anchor of Worldfocus. I thought he did a terrific job. I would really like to know why the change. I’m sure I am not alone in my feelings.
You are not alone Sarah – I also would like to know. Mark, can you tell us what you heard on BBC about Savidge being banned from Great Britain?
I’m delighted to learn this. I’ve always liked her delivery.
No offense to Martin. I like him too. Hope It”s for the best.
Whatever happened to Martin Savidge? He is a terrific presenter! Listen, I like Daljit Dhaliwal also. If ever there was a Lady, it’s Daljit. Good command of the Queen’s English! What poise, and what an interviewer! But please, don’t play footsy with Martin. By me, he is very good! The likes of Martin Savidge are few and far between. RON SNACKEY
I agree with others that Martin Savidge increased in polish and savvy to my liking, and, although I love Daljit, I don’t feel Martin should have been removed without extremely good reason.
I have always enjoyed Daljit’s delivery of news events I am thrilled she is the new anchor for Worldfocus. I am sure Mr.Savidge is moving on to new challenges in his career with much success. Good Luck Daljit!
Like everybody else I’m wondering what happen to Martin?
I don’t believe it was Martin Savidge who was banned from the UK,it was the horrible conservation talk show host by the name of SAVAGE who was banned. Please don’t confuse them.
This is a great coup for Worldfocus. Daljit Dhaliwal is a major name and a major talent (and a major beauty), and I can’t wait to see her in the anchor chair every night. Martin Savidge is talented and I like him alright, but I love Dhaliwal.
What happened to Martin Savage. He is a much better news anchor
than Daljit Dhaliwal. She is extremely brittle with a strong British
accent that takes away from what she is saying and makes her the
subject matter!
I am English and I am familiar with and appreciate Daljit Dhaliwal – BUT she is no Martin Savidge. He was the reason that I watched WorldFocus, and sent many of my friends to it.
What has happened to him, what is this nonsence they are talking about that he was banned by the BBC in Great Britain, what would that have to do with WorldFocus anyway?
How will I find answers to my questions?
Martin Savidge was exceptional. I guess it is a sign of the times that another North American product gets sourced out of India!
Please bring back Mr. Savidge.
While Daljit does a very credible job an anchor of World Focus, we
really miss Martin Savage. Every evening, we did our best to get to
the TV and watch his performance, whereas we somewhat lack the
motivation to watch Daljit. We’re disappointed that Martin was removed. Where now can we see more of him??